A lifetime of farming
Meet Parminder Pabla
Embracing an opportunity to work directly alongside growers, supporting them with practical, on-farm biosecurity solutions.
Parminder Pabla brings a lifetime of farming experience and a deep understanding of the banana industry to his position of Field Officer with the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC), a role that is predominately field-based and focuses on detecting and managing Panama TR4 and other biosecurity risks.
Raised in a farming family in India, agriculture was never theoretical for Parminder - it was part of everyday life. His early career saw him working across large paper and sugar mills in Punjab as a procurement officer, dealing closely with farmers and agricultural supply chains. In 2008, he migrated to Australia to work in banana farming, an experience that shaped his long-term connection to the industry.
“Coming to Australia to work in banana farming gave me a real appreciation for how hard people work in this industry,” Parminder said. “Banana farming isn’t just a job - it’s a way of life shaped by land, seasons and community.”
After settling in the Mission Beach and Bingil Bay region, Parminder spent several years managing banana plantations, later working with Tully Sugar, before owning and operating his own banana farm near Garradunga for five years. During this time, he experienced firsthand the realities growers face, including cyclones, biosecurity threats, labour shortages and the financial pressures these events can bring, particularly for smaller operations.
“I have seen firsthand how events like cyclones and disease outbreaks can change everything. Supporting early detection and strong, practical biosecurity is one of the best ways we can protect farms and families and the broader industry,” he said.
Having lived and worked within the local farming community, Parminder understands the challenges faced by many growers, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds.
“I understand the challenges Punjabi growers face because I’ve lived them myself — working long hours, constantly managing risk and trying to protect the farm for the next generation,” he said. “My focus is on providing clear, practical biosecurity advice that supports growers, rather than overwhelming them.”
Now stepping into his role with the ABGC, Parminder sees field surveillance and biosecurity as essential work that must happen on farms, not just on paper. With a background in public administration and law, combined with extensive experience as both a farm manager and owner-operator, he is passionate about helping growers implement biosecurity plans that are realistic, effective and sustainable.
“Biosecurity only works when it makes sense on the ground,” Parminder explained. “My role is about helping growers put practical measures in place that fit how farms actually operate day to day.”
For Parminder, joining the ABGC is about giving back to an industry that has shaped his life and supporting growers through some of their toughest challenges. Looking ahead, he is focused on building trust, strengthening relationships and being a reliable point of contact for growers across the region.
“Growers want clear, honest advice and someone who understands their reality,” he said. “If I can help even in a small way by sharing my experience and working alongside growers, then I know I’m doing something worthwhile. I am really looking forward to getting out on farms, talking with growers and being part of a team that is focused on protecting the future of the Australian banana industry.”